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Anna Rhode Krichau Obituary

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Anna Rhode Krichau was born in Host North Schleswig, Denmark, on Feb. 14, 1868, and passed away at her home in Hazard, July 8, 1951, at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 19 days.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

In January 1893 she came to America and on Sept. 9, 1893, she was united in marriage to Jens Krichau and settled on a farm near Hazard.  To this union was born seven sons and one daughter.

Surviving are her husband, five sons and one daughter:  Hans of Swan, Ia., Edward of Ravenna, Maurice of Bladen, Christina Lovitt of Mason City, Arthur of Ravenna and Elmer of Swan, Iowa.  Also 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  One sister, Hanna Knudsen, of Woodstock, Ill., and one brother, Christ Rhode, of Denmark.

Preceding her in death are two sons, one in infancy and Peter on Augst 18, 1938.

She was a kind and loving mother, wife and grandmother and she was always willing ot help any one in need.

Funeral services were held Friday, July 6th, from the Methodist church in Hazard.  Rev. Lee Brigden, the pastor, was assisted by Rev. E.C. Fad in conducting the service.  Pall bearers were the grandchildren.  Interment was in Highland cemetery at Ravenna.

Attorney Gilham Writes of Another Pioneer

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The older residents of this city were grieved to learn of the death of Otto Skjelver, a farmer who resided northwest of Inavale from 1876 until his death on the 13th of March.  Mr. Skjelver was an unusually intelligent and educated Norwegian, who for many years acted as interpreter between the Scandinavian immigrants and other people of this county.  At that time the Scandinavians constituted a large element in the population of the western part of the county, and the services of Mr. Skjelver were much in demand to instruct his compatriots in the usages and laws to which they must conform in the land of their adoption.

It is not uncommon for persons occupying the positions Mr. Skjelver occupied to take advantage of the ignorance of his countryment, but during his entire life among us there was not even a suspicion that Mr. Skjelver betrayed any trust or confidence reposed in him.  He was the friend, helpful and wise, of the Americans and the ignorant Norsemen, and saw to the best of his ability that the dealings between them all were fair and just.

For many years he served as justice of the peace and general arbiter of the disputes arising in his neigh (article missing) are no longer required.

His daughter, Ada Skjelver, is one of the best educated ladies in the county and for a number of years was principal of the Red Cloud school in the First ward.  During the last few years she has given her father, who has been in failing health, all the care and tenderness of a devoted daughter.

Mr. Skjelver was married in his native town in Oslo, Norway, where he was born on the 14th of April 1849.  After his removal to this county the following children were born to this marriage:  Mrs. Zelma Brentson, of Pemberton, Minnesota, Mrs. Fred Lambrecht, Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Olaf Erickson, Albert Skjelver and Otto Skjelver and Ada Skjelver.  His wife passed away January 30th, 1889 since which date his daughter Ada has given him her affectionate care.

His older brother Hans Skjelver came to this county some years before he did, and is still living at an advanced age at Silverton, Oregon.

There are seventeen grandchildren who are mourning the absence of a loved grandfather and all the early settlers of the county who came in contact with him are recalling pleasant memories of his integrity and courteous gentlemanly conduct.

Inavale Pioneer At 94 Still Doctoring Animals

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by Dean Terrill
Southeast Nebraska Bureau

Inavale – The one thing C.M. Wilson never learned about animal doctoring was when to quit.  He is 94.

“Never had a toothache or headache, never saw a day I couldn’t work, yet I never felt better than I do right now,” chuckled the colorful Webster Countian.  “I’ve got 15 cattle to dehorn even tomorrow.”

Mostly, however, Con is at leisure that he splits between his ranch north of town and the Inavale grocery of his son Francis.  Customers never tire of his recollections of the early prairie life.

Indians still camped along the Republican when Wilson’s parents broke their first sod within arrow shot of his present home.  Their Virginia-born son, four when they came west, recalls his bewilderment when first seeing “a woman with a blanket that wiggled on her back.”

“All there was around here then were grasshoppers and rattlesnakes, and deer and antelope and now and then a buffalo,” the oldster continued.

Loved Animals

A boyhood love of animals brought an apprenticeship under a “school-trained veterinarian,” and what Con didn’t learn there he picked up in 73 years of practice.  Lack of a degree made no difference to farmer he called by name for 20 miles around.

“The state offered me a permit a couple of times, but I always told them I’d soon be quitting,” the widower reflected.  “I did sort of quit after I got my holding up to 21 quarter-sections – but there still is livestock to vaccinate and all.”

Buying a Model T from “the first load that came to Campbell,” Wilson added even more to his clientele.  The days were as long as ever, but at least the rides were warmer.

‘$5 Too High’

“One time I walked a mile when it was 42 below, hitched up a team and then drove 14 miles in a buggy,” he recalled.  “I hated the cold, and the only real complaint I ever got was when I went out in zero weather for a cow that was calving.  The owner said $5 was too high, but in that weather I wouldn’t have taken off my coat for any less.”

Butchering (“only 35 minutes to skin a hog”) and his own cattle raising added to his responsibilities.  Hunting and fishing in the game-rich valley were principal diversions.

“I bet I’ve killed more ducks and geese than anyone in this part of the country,” he continued, “and I know I’ve cut more colts – up to 250 a year.”

Treats for Friends

His “sport” these days derives from frequent visits to the Inavale Care Home, armed with treats for his many old friends.  Young admirers identify him also with handouts of ice cream bars and skating rink tickets.

Deliberately deeding land to his children “so they have to stay,” Wilson is practically a neighbor to all six.  Francis, John, Bus and Mrs. Raymond Meyer all have Inavale addresses, while Mrs. Ardner Hanson and Mrs. Milton Lutz live in Campbell and Bladen, respectively.

There are 15 grandchildren – one of them within months of being a “school-trained vet like I always wanted to be.”  Byron Wilson is to graduate this spring from Kansas State.

“He went with me a lot and I remember one night we made three trips and got home at sunup,” remarked the proud grandfather.  “If that didn’t scare him out of the business, nothing will.”

Source:
The Lincoln Star
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 1967

John C. Wilson Obituary

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John C. Wilson was born near Winchester, Va. January 19, 1850. In 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Wisecarver. To them were born five sons and three daughters. One son died in infancy. The others are: C.M. Wilson, Roy J. Wilson Jr., Claude Wilson, Don Wilson, Mrs. Frank Bean, Mrs. Lulu Lockhart, Mrs. Oscar Johnson, and Mrs. Claude Duval. Mr. Wilson and family came to this county in April 1878, and settled on the farm northwest of here where he resided continuously until a few months ago when he went to reside with his daughter, Mrs. Duval where the final summons came on November 2nd. During the past year he had failed rapidly. He leaves besides the sons and daughters, two brothers, Arthur and Clarence Wilson of Inavale, and one sister Mrs. Mary Bayles of Winchester, Va. The wife from whom he had been separated for many years, is a resident of Red Cloud.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at the New Virginia Church, conducted by Rev. R.B.E. Hill of Sterling, Neb., and interment was made in the New Virginia cemetery.

Source:
Webster County Argus Paper
November 9, 1922

Carl Little Answers Last Call at Home in South Cherry

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The homes of many friends and north country neighbors was saddened Monday morning of this week by the announcement that Carl Little had responded to the call of the Master.  His death came as a surprise to Mullen friends in view of the fact that he had visited among them but a few days previous to his last sickness.  He had been a sufferer from spinal trouble for the past several years, having been thrown from a horse when a young man and injured beyond being helped by medical skill.  Death was due to heart failure.

That he was one of the best liked citizens of south Cherry county was attested by the large attendance of friends at the funeral service conducted Tuesday afternoon by Rev. B.H. Murten from Virginia church.  Interment was made in the cemetery at that place.

Carl Berson Little was born in Elkhart, Texas, April 25, 1889 and did March 25 1929 at his home near Mullen, Nebraska, at the age of 39 years, 10 months and 29 days.  he was married to Tennie Lee Long on December 10, 1914.  To this union were born six children, three boys and three girls:  Thelma Irene, Elmer Leroy, Paul Raymond, Claude Eugene, Minnie Lee, and Neva June.  Claude died at the age of one year.

He leaves to mourn his death his wife, five children, one brother, Robert Little, and one sister, Mrs. Judie Parks of Elkhart, Texas, besides numerous friend and neighbors.

He was a good father and husband and was admired by his friends as a man of confidence and a true believer in the great commandment, which he practiced daily.  He was deeply interested in the church work of his community.  His life was typical of his belief in God, although he did not belong to any special church.

The Tribune among many other friends of the sorrowing ones extends sympathy to the bereaved ones during the sad trial.